Are Liverpool doomed after a lack of transfer activity this summer?

The Reds' main transfer target Martin Zubimendi decided to remain at home rather than move to Anfield

In the wake of Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi, there is a section of the media and the club’s supporters that have put the midfielder on a pedestal alongside greats like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pele.

Yes, the reaction at Zubimendi deciding to stay with Real Sociedad, his hometown team, the one he has played for since the age of 12, has been rather ridiculous. Zubimendi is suddenly the missing piece to Liverpool’s title challenge.

Some have blamed Fenway Sports Group while others have targeted sporting director Richard Hughes. Yet, Liverpool did everything in their power other than kidnap Zubimendi and force him to play football at Anfield under the threat of violence while earning a large wage.

Zubimendi’s decision not to sign for Liverpool was simply down to him. The midfielder has previous, as he turned down Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the past. Barcelona allegedly inquired about Zubimendi but found him to be more interested in remaining at Sociedad, putting off any move.

Liverpool’s contact with Zubimendi’s agent suggested the player wanted to move to a top Premier League club. However, the result was not as expected, with the defensive midfielder remaining at Anoeta.

So, where does this leave Liverpool? Well, it leaves them in the same place it did before everyone got excited about the club meeting Real Sociedad’s £50 million release clause for the player.

Arne Slot may not have the No. 6 he wants, but the Reds squad is still packed with talent. It is just 12 month ago that Liverpool signed midfielders Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are also still kicking around the club.

Liverpool have already stated that there is no alternative to Zubimendi, which, if true, is refreshing. There was a time under Rafael Benitez, that Liverpool seemed to sign a lot of players and if they couldn’t get their first or second choice, the Reds would go down the list until getting someone. Those days of managers signing someone just to sign someone are done, with money being spent more wisely — or as wisely as possible.

Unfortunately, we live in a world of EAFC (formerly FIFA) and a generation of football fans have been raised thinking you can simply sign whomever you want and there is unlimited amounts of money available. FSG wants Liverpool to be sustainable, unlike many of their peers, and the money made by the club is reinvested. This annoys many fans, especially the most vocal online.

This is by no means a defence of FSG, because I would love to see Liverpool sign the best players every summer to fight for all trophies possible. But I take a lot of pride in being a Liverpool supporter and knowing the club is trying to stay on the right side of the rules.

Few Liverpool supporters would have cried out for Zubimendi prior to the Euro 2024 final and the announcement that the Anfielders were interested in signing him. Seriously, how many people actually knew who Martin Zubimendi was?

While he would have likely made the team better, there is also the chance he could have arrived and regretted the transfer. Zubimendi seems to be a player comfortable playing in his hometown for Sociedad. Would he be as successful leaving La Real?

There was a time when the great Steven Gerrard was going to leave Liverpool and join Chelsea for £30m (over £52m in 2024). Gerrard decided against the move, and in the end, remained at Anfield, with his hometown club. That was around 20 years ago and football fans have short memories.

I say this because football players are human beings. Despite what is said about them, sometimes, they don’t want to make more money or buy more cars or buy a third holiday home. Instead, they want to play for the club they feel most comfortable with.

Liverpool may not have signed Zubimendi, but fans should not sleep on the team this season. Let’s not forget Liverpool were on target to lift the Premier League title until a sideways pass from Jarrell Quansah was picked off by Bruno Fernandes, resulting in the midfielder scoring past Alisson from practically the halfway line. The season fell apart after that 2-2 draw.

Liverpool’s squad looked as exhausted as Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. Having watched Liverpool’s preseason under new head coach Arne Slot, the players look to have new energy. It was time for Liverpool to make a change. The hard-charging style Klopp insisted on had run its course. Now, there is a more measured approach to the team.

Killing opponents with passes is the style of play now rather than killing them with pressure and intensity. Things will be different this season, may be even a bit boring at times due to the passing and build-up, yet the players at the club are still high-quality.

Who could Liverpool sign that could go right into the starting XI other than Zubimendi? The key word in that question is ‘could’. There may be no Zubimendi, but Liverpool should be fine this season. Besides, there most important signing was made last spring: Arne Slot.